These stories will inspire your giving spirit

The needs in our community this year run deep. A global pandemic has led many to lose their jobs, their homes and even their lives.

The catastrophic condo collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside resulted in the deaths of 98 people, freeze-framing the images of love and laughter of each child, mother, father, (and

who perished that day.

But in times of great tragedy, South Floridians open their hearts. We’ve set up food banks, took care of doctors, nurses, hospital staffers and created havens where families could shop for free. We’re mentoring our children through music and finding shelter for women escaping horrific violence in their homes.

We’re supporting the arts, recognizing the foundation that music, theater and art play in building a vibrant South Florida.

In this year’s Giving section, you will read about these amazing efforts and many more.

Some of the organizations have been longestablished guardians of our community, from the Miami Dolphins, who’ve been providing 1,000 meals a day during the pandemic, to the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, which has allocated $10 million and counting in emergency COVID relief. “A lifeboat,’’ one grateful recipient said.

And then there are the people who saw a need and jumped in. A Miami teacher who realized his kids were struggling because they hadn’t had breakfast. Enter his Smoothies 4 Students. The mother who set up a store-like spot where families can shop for free, remembering what it was like when she was homeless with two young children. High school students who are determined to save our seas.

Finally, as today’s cover story points out, there is a growing community of homeless senior citizens in South Florida, people living on fixed incomes who have run up against life’s challenges, leaving them destitute. But thanks to the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, they are fed, clothed and finding camaraderie from a community caring for them.

You will be inspired by all that’s being done in South Florida, and amazed at what you can do to make a difference in one person’s life.